A herniated disc, or herniated nucleus pulposus, is a condition in which a spinal disc tears and allows some of its inner gel-like material to spill out. This material may encroach upon a spinal nerve, causing pain, numbness, tingling and various other symptoms. A physician will typically recommend conservative treatments, such as low-impact exercises, pain relievers and hot and cold compresses.

Alternative treatment options for a herniated disc

Some individuals also choose to explore alternative therapies to help alleviate symptoms. While the medical community has not reached a consensus about the effectiveness or usefulness of these approaches, they remain popular among patients who want to explore all of their options for symptom relief. Some of the most popular alternative herniated disc treatment options include:

Manipulative/body-based methods. Some individuals visit a chiropractor or massage therapist to help alleviate symptoms. Options like acupressure, acupuncture and restorative yoga are other body-based alternative therapies.

Mind-body interventions. Cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback aim to help individuals manage their experience of pain through mindful awareness.

Biologically based treatment. Herbal supplements and homeopathy rely on natural substances to help alleviate symptoms.

Energy therapies. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses small energy waves on the surface of the skin near the affected nerve to stimulate it. Other energy therapies may make use of magnets or ultrasound.

Always keep your primary care doctor informed if you do attempt these or other alternative treatment methods.

Minimally invasive treatment

Like conservative treatments, alternative treatments aim to alleviate symptoms without the need for surgery. In some cases, though, symptoms persist and surgery may be necessary. When a physician recommends surgery as a herniated disc treatment, there are still options. As an alternative to traditional open spine surgery, minimally invasive procedures are often available as a safer and effective alternative.^

Minimally invasive spine surgery to treat a herniated disc is available at Laser Spine Institute. Our board-certified+ surgeons have a high level of experience performing these techniques and have helped tens of thousands of patients find relief from neck and back pain.

Contact Laser Spine Institute today for a no-cost MRI review* and find out if you’re a candidate.

*Our MRI review is an informational review of the MRI report that you provide to us and is not a form of diagnosis. A diagnosis and a final determination of whether you may benefit from treatment at Laser Spine Institute can only be made after you have been physically examined by our medical professionals at Laser Spine Institute. The MRI review has no value and will not be billed.